ITI’s newest member
AIS St Helens has a distinctive international focus.
The school’s two campuses in Mt. Albert have a total of around 800 students originating from around 40 different countries worldwide. A number of events celebrating cultural diversity are held on campus resulting in a high degree of bonding between student communities. Diwali, Ramadan, Holi and the Moon Cake Festival are all celebrated on campus.
Strong emphasis is also placed on academic achievement and a variety of certificates, diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are offered in international business, tourism management, hospitality management and information technology. AIS St Helens also offers an MBA programme.
With between 75 and 80 per cent of its students originating from China, India, parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Middle East and other areas outside New Zealand, the institution has strong support services and facilities in place to assist international students. A fully fitted gymnasium, a library, indoor sports stadium, computer labs and WIFI access across both campuses are some of the facilities offered.
The English Language Centre helps students get up to speed with their written and spoken English skills, an onsite dormitory provides accommodation for 120 students and a full-time study adviser helps students develop their academic writing skills.
Richard Goodall, President AIS St Helens adds: “We place a great deal of importance on career placement for our students and also maintain close links with our alumni around the world.”
AIS St Helens also has a number of articulation relationships in place with institutions in India, Bangladesh, China and Tonga where a part of the student’s degree is undertaken at the partner institute and the balance completed in New Zealand. Other agreements are under development, including agreements where students take their undergraduate studies in New Zealand and go on to other countries to complete their postgraduate qualifications.
“Strategic tie-ups offer several advantages, not only for the institutions involved, but also for students – for example, a student who has completed a Diploma of Tourism in Tonga, can move on to a Bachelor of Tourism Management in New Zealand, followed by a Master’s Degree in the UK – this would then give the student significant global experience that is so valuable in today’s competitive business environment” Dr. Goodall added.
ITI welcomes AIS St Helens to its membership.